You know, Cosette, I never thought of that in that way either — a mortgage as a reflection of one's worth — until you pulled it out of my essay! I definitely know the whole "American dream" idea was a big part of his choices, and the USA offers more "opportunities" for big debts than a lot of other places do. So he had this idea that he needed to take advantage of that opportunity, and he was too trusting of the banks in the process (misunderstanding their M.O.). I feel like I've heard other immigrants affirm that "American dream" fantasies have been a factor in the debt habits of others they've known too. Might not be very uncommon.

But you're right — for some people from anywhere, being "approved" by a bank probably DOES feel like an affirmation of their worth and potential. It's definitely something to think about...